Dr. Alexander Khalessi

Biography

Alexander Khalessi, MD, MBA, is the chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery and a professor in Neurological Surgery and Radiology Neurosciences at the University of California, San Diego. He holds the inaugural Don & Karen Cohn Chancellor’s Endowed Chair in Neurosurgery. Dr. Khalessi is a board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in complex cranial surgery, endovascular neurosurgery, stroke care, and neurological oncology. He leads a department that handles an average of 4,000 major cases annually and is consistently ranked among the top neurosurgery and neurology services in the nation. Dr. Khalessi actively participates in several national and global leadership roles, including serving as the current president of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. He is recognized for his contributions to innovation in neurosurgery and oversees numerous clinical trials focusing on advancements in treating ischemic strokes and brain tumors. He has published extensively, with over 150 peer-reviewed papers and presentations, and has directed training courses for neurosurgical residents. Dr. Khalessi is dedicated to enhancing medical education and research in neurosurgery, further amplifying his role as a mentor and leader in the field.

Research Interests

Experience

Awards